• You've arrested the ship, now what?
    Generally, the master of the ship will report immediately to the owners or insurance underwriters that the arrest has taken place. The owners normally will post security in an amount the is large enough to respond to any potential claim, and the vessel will be allowed to go on her way while the owners defend the lawsuit. Failing that, after notice of the arrest is published in the commercial newsmedia, a default judgment will be granted by the court against the ship. Then, the ship will literally be auctioned off to the highest bidder on the steps of the United States Courthouse by the US Marshal. The proceeds of the sale will be applied to satisfy the default judgment previously entered by the court against the ship.